She’s never had a no-strings fling. He’s never had anything else. But maybe this time will be an exception? After a year of mourning her fiancé, Alexis Parker has worked hard to rediscover what she wants out of life. Fresh out of the military and back stateside, her brother offers her a marketing job at the Stag Distillery. Ready for a new challenge, Alexis agrees to accompany her new co-worker … her new co-worker Jake Cooper on a Stag cross-country promotional tour. He may have an infamous playboy reputation, but Alexis is surprised to find out that there is more to him than meets the eye. And she likes what she sees. . .
Jake promised Alexis’s brother that he’d be an absolute gentleman. Of course, that was before he and Alexis hit the road, and they both agree that what Alexis’s big brother doesn’t know won’t hurt him. The plan: to keep their fling confined to the RV, and everything will go back to normal once they head home. Things progress in ways neither of them could have imagined, and Jake realizes that he and Alexis make a perfect mix. Can he convince her that he’s ready to shake things up and give true love a shot in Maybe for You?
“Nicole McLaughlin is a wonderfully fresh voice in contemporary romance–sweet, sexy, and immensely satisfying.”–Lauren Layne, New York Times bestselling author
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Alex lost her parents and was raised by her brother, she joins the Army and dates an Air Force pilot, weeks before they’re to get married he is killed. She goes to stay with her brother Dean before she ships off to Italy for a year. While gone she gets close to Jake, part owner of the Stag distillery along with his best friend TJ and Dean, Alex’s brother. When she returns she tells them she’ll be leaving in November to take a job with the CIA. Jake is about to go on a two week tour with the Stag Wagon. He goes to bars, and festivals and tries to get companies to stock their alcohol. Alex decides to go with him. They were already close but this trip brings them closer. Then they figure why not have a fling until they get back home. Alex still misses her fiancé but is taking life one day at a time. When they return home Jake realizes he loves her but can she get over her dead fiancé to start living again?
You’ll laugh, cry, and need a cold shower after this story. It will break your heart at times but is so good you won’t be able to stop reading it until the end. Great characters and a woman who has had more tragedy than one person should. A handsome man with a sweet streak a mile wide.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
I liked the story, but I probably should have passed on this when I saw the couple was going to do the whole no strings thing; I just find it so stupid when characters do that. Also, I’m not a huge fan of the whole dead spouse scenario either. I did like the chemistry between Jake and Alex; they are sweet together and have some good spice. Also, I do like the whole best friend’s sibling trope; I like the forbidden aspect to that. I also liked that they were on a bit of a road trip; enjoy the whole forced proximity scenario. The ending wasn’t the best, but overall, an interesting, cute romance with likable characters.
As this was my first dive into the world of Whiskey and Weddings, I really enjoyed that, although I haven’t read the first two books in the series, I still felt as if I got a true sense of the former players in the series. I felt as though I didn’t need to have read the other books to connect full to all the characters but at the same time was left feeling a need to look up the previous novels to visit with old friends.
You can read my full review here:
https://binblogsbooks.wordpress.com/2018/08/05/maybe-for-you-a-whiskey-and-weddings-novel/
This was a new author for me. I had not read the previous books in the series, but I had no problem reading this story as a standalone novel. The story is well-written, and the characters are interesting and likable. This is a feel good story filled with emotion, hope and love. I will be checking out other books from this author.
I received Maybe for You written by Nicole McLaughlin from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is the third book in her Whiskey and Weddings series, but is the first book I have ever read in the series, and can be read as a stand alone.
Alexis Parker is struggling a year later after losing her fiancé just weeks before the wedding. Working through her identity as unattached for the first time in her life, she contemplates between her new ambitions and old desires. The only constant is the growing friendship between her and Jake Cooper.
The typical player, Jake is at a loss of why he is so willing to help Alexis and listen to her discuss her… feelings of all things. But, when Alexis returns and hits the road with him during a brief stay with her brother, he is more than willing to lend his shoulder for her to lean on amongst other things. But when his feelings begin to build during this fling, must convince Alexis they are the real deal.
This was an ok story. The relationship between Alexis and Jake felt stented and forced. I would have liked to seen some of the messaging going on between them the year prior to add depth to their relationship. Slightly two dimensional, Slow paced and boring at times, I really struggled with finishing the book. It felt that McLaughlin struggled showing Alexis as a strong independent woman with feelings. And the relationship between Jake and the two co-owners of the distillery really felt like they treated him as a high schooler instead of an equal owner. I have to admit, I was mad FOR Jake at one point and I am not a big “player” fan.
All in all, the ending really made up for a lot. Sorry, I never give away spoilers but I was happy that it wasn’t Alexis that had to give it all up as is the case a lot. I would be happy to give McLaughlin a second try. #MaybeforYou #NetGalley
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This is this story of Alexis (Alex), who has just lost her fiancée, and Jake, one of her brother’s best friends and co-owners of the Stag. Alex deploys for a year to Italy and they message back and forth for the entire year. When she gets back, they have a kind of weird close friendship. When Jake needs to go on a business trip, Alex decides to go with him. During the trip, they start sleeping together. Things get better and more interesting from there! This is a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I will definitely be reading the next one in the series & going back to read the first one!
This is my first time reading this author and I am a fan. I didn’t read this in order and was still able to follow along starting with book 3.
This is such a sweet romance and I really enjoyed it. Alex is starting her life over after her fiancé passed away. She is now starting her life over. Jake was an easy character to like even with his playboy reputation. These two had there up and downs at times but the chemistry you couldn’t deny.
I enjoyed this book and need to go back and read the other books in this series.
Maybe for You by Nicole McLaughlin, book three in her Whisky and Weddings series is a sweet, romantic and sexy story about friendship, family, heartbreak, love and moving on. It is a story of two people, not looking for love, who find it in the most unexpected place.
When life doesn’t turn out how you planned, it might be time to head in a new direction. Maybe For You is a tale of heartbreaking loss, surprising new beginnings and witty dialogue. McLaughlin presents the ultimate road trip for a brokenhearted almost bride and playboy on the mend. Alexis is learning how to live again after a tragic loss. Her second chance comes in the form of a dashing coworker with a reputation for playing the field. Jake and Alexis take a business trip that changes the course of their lives when their hearts become fair game for love. Maybe For You is a sentimental tale that brings out the laughter and perhaps a few tears.
Ms. McLaughlin wrote a wonderful and emotional story; filled with sexual chemistry, fun dialogue, and endearing characters. I highly recommend this outstanding book to other readers.
Alex and Jake’s story by Nicole McLaughlin grabbed me by the heartstrings from the very beginning. The first chapter alone had me tearing up and reaching for the tissues.
The book flew by and honestly I had a hard time putting it down.
Nicole did a great job of building up the relationship between Alex and Jake. Jake was adamant he didn’t want a relationship, and Alex still felt guilty betraying her late fiancé.
This book deserves five huge stars. Adore it. So well written and a great storyline. Nicole McLaughlin has a true fan for life now!
“Maybe for You” is Nicole McLaughlin’s third book in her Whiskey and Weddings series. This can also be read as a standalone. I have not read the previous two books and I enjoyed this book there was enough information given so you can figure out how they relate. I read this book in one sitting as I could not stop turning the pages. A very well written story, well developed characters keep you interested until the end. This is my first book read by this author and it won’t be my last.
An emotional story about love lost. Alex is brokenhearted about her fiancés death right before their wedding and signs up for another assignment oversees. A friendship develops with Jake during her assignment. Will it continue when Alex returns home? Will that friendship become more.
This book brings to the forefront the sacrifices that our service men/women, and their families endure to provide security for our country. I enjoyed Alex and Jake’s story. You will cry, laugh, and cry some more until your heart fills with love. I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGallery for an honest review.
Maybe for You by Nicole McLaughlin is book Three in the Maybe for You series. This is the story of Jake Cooperon and Alexis Parker. I haven’t yet read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book.
Alex had her life planned out with her future husband but he died before they could marry which left her lost and heartbroken. Now out of the military she working to try and start over. After building a connection with Jake she goes with him to help promote Stag Distillery. Of course Alex’s brother want Jake who has causal flings/no commitments to not do so with their sister. But what happens during the road trip they plan on letting that stay there. But things don’t go as planned when they attraction starts to turn into more.
Really enjoyed this sweet romance!
She just needs to heal and she finds friendship in the least likely place. Can she find the peace she’s looking for and can he show her he can be her friend without something more?
This is powerful for sure, You will laugh and cry and laugh some more. This book is about finding healing in loss and finding hope when all else seems loss. While Alex is trying to find hope and continue living after the loss of her fiancé she also feels like its best to not get to close to anyone. This book is a quit read and I had a hard time putting it down from page one to the end. This book was such a sweet love story with not just Alex and Jake but it also follows up with TJ, Jenn, Charlotte and Dean, which was so nice to find out whats been going on with them. This book does have adult language and adult situations but this book was so worth the read and I hope there is more to come from Stag Bar. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
First off getting an ARC there are sometimes issues with format. I understand that as I’m not getting a final copy. I do hope that the final copy gets another edit. It was frustrating at times to have to re-read a sentence because the word “from” was “form”. Also there really isn’t a word “grinded”. It was little things in the story that I hope will be caught before a final release.
Now to the actual story. It was a good one. I really felt for Alex and the loss of Nate just before their wedding. Her response was natural. Some people may have thought it when on for too long but everyone deals with loss different. Jake was wonderful in my eyes. His insecurities just made him some so much more human than some male protagonists.
This story is written in a dual POV which helps the reader (okay me at least) to better understand the characters. This was a story that flowed nicely and I was sorry to see it end. I will have to go back and read the other stories in this series. Not because I have to but the characters were wonderful and I would love to read their HEAs.
Highly recommend!
I absolutely loved this book! It was such a great emotional and romantic love story. I fell in love with the characters and the story from the start. The writing was wonderful and so powerful I felt all the emotions as if I were there with them.
“Maybe for You” had everything I look for in a book. This is definitely one that pulls you into the story and lets you forget the real world for a while. I highly recommend this book!
ARC for honest review with no compensation given by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.
This is book 3 of the Whiskey and Wedding series while a standalone I understood the flow from the prior books even though I have not read them.. I will most definitely be checking them out!
Jake is a partner in the Stag Distillery with his two best friends. He is the “Promo Guy” and playboy extraordinaire. A complaint has been lodged against him so it’s decided that on the next promo tour he take Alexis along to keep him out of trouble. Little does he know that this may not be the way to make that happen…
Alexis has finally returned home from the military, while also spending the past year mourning the loss of her fiancé who just weeks before their wedding was killed. She now needs to pick up the pieces and find her direction in life. Her brother and part owner of Stag Distillery offers her a job and she agrees to do the ride along with Jake as they have been pen pals during the past year and there’s more to Jake than meets the eye.
What starts out as friends turns quickly as the heat rises, friends become lovers and when you least expect it love shows us what has been missing all along!
This book pulled me right in. Alexis Parker has had so much tragedy in her young life and yet she remains a strong, loving person trying to take it one day at a time. The struggle she goes through seems so very real. I found her character to be very interesting and I enjoyed watching her grow in the book. The other main character is Jake Cooper. He is forced to reevaluate who he is and he struggles with some self doubt issues. He helps Alex get through a tough year of deployment by being there for Alex through text messages. You will hope their friendship can turn into something stronger as you read the book. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Ms McLaughlin likes to take you on a journey. You’re not in a rush to quickly get to the end. You want to savor every twist, turn or bump in the road. Just when you think it is all smooth sailing, another bump. Jake Cooper is a co-owner in Stag Distillery with Alexis’s brother. He has appointed himself as Alexis’s friend and confidant. This is their story. I must say that it is a swoon worthy ending.
“Maybe for You” by Nicole Laughlin
I loved this story from beginning to end. It was nice to reconnect with the people of ‘Stag Distillery’ once again… but one does not need to have read the previous stories to thoroughly enjoy this stand-alone novel. Since I do get emotionally involved with the characters in the stories I read… I did enjoy some chuckles and boy did I hit the box of tissues, too. I was gifted an ARC via NetGalley and I most assuredly am glad for the opportunity for an early read and the chance to share my review. I truly did love this story.
Not only is this a story about finding love again after tragedy and grief, this is also about finding the courage to remain alive each day. It is about finding your place in the world and your purpose.
Alex is mourning her love who died shortly before their wedding. She is also mourning the plans they had made for life after their tour of duty commitment was complete. Making new plans feels like a betrayal.
Jake is the only unattached male of the trio of distillery owners. While he tries to be a gentleman, respectful of women, being unattached he hasn’t had to shy away from the advances of women. His job just happened to put him in the crosshairs. Because Alex happens to be the sister of one of his partners, his best friend’s sister, and is mourning her fiance, she is vulnerable. Jake would never take advantage… unless the situation was irresistible.
Told with class and honorability, this is a friends to lovers story that goes much deeper.
No one is taken advantage of here, and emotions and possibilities are dealt with honestly and compassionately. I enjoyed the characters and how their relationships changed over time.